Monday March 21, 2011 11:30 am

Apple unveiling revamped MobileMe soon

Rumor has it, Apple is planning to launch a revamped version of its MobileMe service next month, iLounge has reported.

Citing a "trusted" source that "works for a major educational institution," iLounge said that "the current version of MobileMe is no longer available, and that Apple is suggesting new students sign up for the 60-day trial to cover the gap between the final MobileMe shipment and the launch of the new version."

The report could have some truth to it. A 60-day free trial with the option to sign up for the paid service at its conclusion is available on MobileMe page on Apple's site. However, the option to sign up for the year-long paid service without first test-driving it for 60 days is not advertised.

iLounge said that Apple will only support the existing service for another year, to cover those who might have recently subscribed to MobileMe. This means the retooled version of MobileMe could be very different.

There have been rumblings that Apple would overhaul the cloud-based storage and email service. Last month it was reported that in addition to unveiling smaller, cheaper iPhones, Apple would ditch the $99 yearly subscription model in favor of a free service that would work like a "locker" for personal content like photos, videos, and music. iLounge also speculated that there would be no charge for the forthcoming service.

Earlier this month, MacRumors heard reports that Apple could be holding an event at the Cupertino campus in early- to mid-April, to presumably announce iOS 5 and unveil the revamped MobileMe service.

However, there has been no official announcement from Apple, and the company did not respond to a request for comment on the rumors.

This article, written by Leslie Horn, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.